Re: Manual choke

[Steve Stegmann <stegmann@domain.elided>]

Laura,

There is no simple rule for a manual choke.  It's almost an art.  You'll
have to learn what your engine likes, most are a bit different.

I'd start with two stomps on the accel to get some gas in the manifold,
choke off.  Then wait about 10 seconds for some of the gas to evaporate. 
Then crank.  If it starts nurse it with the accelerator.  It will take
some experimenting. 

If this doesn't work, then do the same but add the choke, full on.  As
soon as it fires release the choke,to prevent flooding.  It is pretty easy
to flood a manual choke. If releasing the choke kills it try again, try
again. Better to not flood it if you can avoid it.

You should experiment with partial choke, or start with full choke and
push it in till it just runs.  As the engine warms it will need less
choke.  If you can keep it running with the coke fully in, then that's the
best.  Always see how little choke you can use.

Once you find out what it likes, you won't even know you're doing it.

If you can't get it to start open the hood a sniff around the air cleaner,
literally.  If it smells like you spilled gas, then it's probably flooded. 
The best way to clear a flood is to open the choke, (push it in).  Then
put the accelerator to the floor.  Now hold it in that position and crank,
you might have to crank for a while.  When the engine is flooded you need
to get more air into the engine to dilute the gas.  So while you crank
hold the accel down.  Don't crank for over 15 seconds, give the starter a
rest for a minute, you don't want to overheat the starter.  Don't move the
accelerator since everytime you release and press, you give it another
shot of gas.  A flood is a pain for sure but not really a big deal. 

If nothing else works, open the air cleaner, open the throttles, and drop
a big screwdriver down the throat to hold the throttles open.  go have a
cup of coffee and wait for the excess gas to evaporate.  The try again. 

Good Luck

Steve

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Steven A. Stegmann
     _/_/_/    _/      _/_/_/ "No free man shall ever be debarred the use
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